The Demon Within:

Abstract

This dissertation discusses the psychological complexities found in contemporary fiction, specifically focusing on Lionel Shriver’s novel We Need to Talk about Kevin. This captivating novel was written and published in 2003 tackled the issue of the complex and unsettling relationship between a mother and her son, Kevin. First and foremost, this dissertation explores the psychological complexities in Lionel Shriver’s novel We Need to Talk about Kevin using Freudian and Melanie Klein’s theories. It analyses the character of Kevin and examines themes such as motherhood, nature vs. nurture, and the relationship between social influence and mental health. The research aims to provide insights into the psychological complexities of contemporary fiction and inspire further exploration of the ways in which literary works reflect and shape societal attitudes towards identity, morality, and the human condition. The study question guiding this research is: How does Shriver’s novel examine the psychological complexities of a mother-psychopathic son relationship and provides insights about the role of nature vs. nurture and societal attitudes in human development? The dissertation includes an introduction, three main chapters, and a conclusion. The first chapter provides background information on the concept of psychological complexities in contemporary fiction and an overview of the novel. The second chapter analyses the depiction of psychopathy and parental ambivalence in the novel, while the third chapter explores how nature and nurture influence the psychological complexity of the characters. The research aims to shed light on how contemporary fiction reflects the intricate aspects of the human psyche. The results of this study indicate that Shriver’s novel explores the mother-son relationship through Freudian and Melanian theories, highlighting nature and nurture’s interplay in shaping the son’s psychopathic tendencies. The novel challenges readers’ biases about evil and parenting’s role in a child’s personality development.